Smithson Valley's Jenkins signs with British soccer academy

Pictured in the front row from left to right brother Micah Jenkins, Caleb Jenkins and brother Noah Jenkins. In the second row from left to right is Jay Sparrow of SA United Soccer Club, parents Shane and Peggy and brother Isaac.

Caleb Jenkins's trip to play soccer in England last summer was a great experience.

While playing against top competition in England, the goalkeeper from Smithson Valley was also setting the tone for the opportunity of a lifetime.

When Jenkins leaves in August, he'll be not only working on an international business degree, the goalkeeper will also be striving for a professional soccer career.

“This is amazing,” said Jenkins, who trains with SA United Soccer Club. “When I went over there last summer, we got to stay there and we worked with the coaches every day.

“We played two games and won both of them. What impressed me the most was it is a different level of soccer, which is what I wanted” Jennings said.

“I want to become a better player and wanted to go outside the U.S. to play soccer. Being part of this program was the best option for me.”

It all began last year. Jenkins was training with SA United. The group's executive director was taking two of his 96 club teams to England and he needed a goalkeeper. Jenkins eagerly accepted the invitation.

During their visit, the team stayed at the academy. Jenkins said he was impressed with the overall atmosphere, and hoped someday to return.

Now, it's going to happen.

The academy, which opened three years ago, brings in soccer players from all over the world. Student athletes go to classes in the morning. In the afternoon, they train with professional coaches. Every two weeks they play showcase matches against professional youth teams in front of pro scouts.

During that time, the student-athletes can also earn their coaching license.

Sparrow, who also serves as head scout for International Academic & Soccer Academy, believes this is an ideal situation for Jenkins.

“It's a pretty cool thing,” Sparrow said. “The main thing is it's for the elite players who the academy believes can make it at the next level. It's only three years old, but they have already had players who have signed (professional) contracts.

“Caleb has the potential to play at the next level. He is a very special goalkeeper. He has size (6-foot-3, 198 pounds), character, attitude and a great work ethic. He just has overall presence.”

Jenkins caught the academy coaches' attention in a short period of time. Now, the keeper is hoping to show them more on a permanent basis.

“I found out I had a chance to play over there when I got back,” Jenkins said. “I was excited that they wanted me. They were impressed and I was glad to be able to give them that.

“Knowing that I impressed them wants me to move further along and be even better.”

Jenkins noticed the style of soccer in England is more fast-paced and physical. That scrappy type of game, he said, is much to his liking.

From now until August, Jenkins is making sure his skills are fine-tuned. He's hitting the weights and going through conditioning workouts daily. In addition, he's working with a goal-keeper instructor.

“I'm going there knowing there's always someone better than you,” Jenkins said. “You have to strive to be better than that person and want to be at the top. I don't want to go over there and be the third string goalkeeper.

“I want to be on the top. I believe I have the passion and desire to be the best I can be.”

It's going to be an adjustment in other areas, such as the weather and the overall lifestyle.

However, Jenkins got a sample of it during his previous visit and said he loved it.

“When we got off the plane the weather was nice,” Jenkins said. “It rains about four days out of 10, but I'm not complaining. It's cool and a lot different than playing in the Texas heat. The whole atmosphere here is different. The whole country is behind soccer.

“You can walk down the street and people are talking about soccer. You can have a conversation with anyone if you bring up any of the city soccer teams. I want to be part of that.”